Winnisook Mountain is a 3270’ peak that sits perched at the headwall of the Big Indian Valley. It has east and west summits with the east summit being the high point. However, not all high points are the main attraction and that’s the case with Winni. The high point straddles the Big Indian Wilderness and Winnisook Lake land boundary, so it’s on private land, just barely. The Big Indian Valley is walled by the Big Indian Wilderness to its west and the Slide Mountain Wilderness on the east. Hiking Winni and west Winni from the Slide Mountain parking area makes for a short 2-mile bushwhack. Even though it is a short hike, there are many things to excite the seasoned hiker along the way.
Hike Length: 2 miles R/T | Route Type: Loop |
Total Ascent: 930+/-' (total to summit) | How Hard: Moderate/Difficult (bushwhack) |
 Click the map for interactive version | |
Map associated with Winnisook. | Trail Guide Book |
Winnisook Mountain relationship to other peaks
As the bird flys, Winni is about 1.1-miles to the northeast of Hemlock Mountain (3245’), 1.6-miles east of Spruce Mountain (3381’), and 1.2-miles west-north-west of the 3600’ point called Little Slide which towers over tiny Winniook Lake. Little Slide is not really considered a peak but rather a bump on one of Slide Mountains’ massive ridges. Winni’s summit proper is on private property owned by the Winnisook Club. Both Spruce and Winnisook are Catskill 67 peaks.
Winnisook Lake
Winnisook Lake is owned by the Winnisook Lake Club. The lake, now technically a reservoir and was impounded in 1888. It was expanded to its current 5-acre size to support fishing for the Winnisook Club members. It is the highest lake in the Catskills at 2,664’ and is considered the headwaters of the Esopus Creek. It is named after Chief Winnisook a Native American associated with area folklore. As RT 47 passes the high point in the pass near the lake, it is the highest elevation improved public through road in the state. Given its elevation and approach from the hairpin turn below, it can make for a wild ride in the Winter!
Bushwhacking Winnisook Mountain
Your departure point will be the state parking lot for Slide Mountain on RT 47 or also known as Slide Mountain Road. Be forewarned that this and the Giant Ledge parking areas are among the busiest in the Catskills. On the day we got there (a Thursday) it was 9:30 AM and the lot had room for one vehicle. As we drove by, the Giant Ledge lot was also full. So either get an early start or have back-up plans in mind.
As you climb you’ll cross a couple of seasonal streams, probable underground springs, which varies in the amount of water they hold. The ground is very rocky in parts and depending on your line of ascent you’ll find cool boulder fields to scramble through.
Winni to West Winni
The 128’ descent from the summit to the col is quick as is the walk across the wide-open ridge connecting the summit of Winni with its western subpeak.
Some say the real prize of this hike awaits you on the west peak 0.37-miles from the summit of Winni, and 70’ climbing from the col. They may be right. As you reach the western summit, the trees become very stunted, and a large open meadow ringing with small boulders gives this place an unusual feel. It is a place to stop and enjoy the unique high elevation fern glade which it is packed with in-season.
West Winni return to Road
From the west summit, we headed WSW for a bit and avoided some steep terrain and then headed south back to the road returning to the point where we entered having dropped 770’ in 0.66-miles. On your way down take in the views of Slide, Table, and The Wildcats. Also, look back at some of the impressive rock ledges you’ll need to navigate!
Extending your hike!
One could continue their day and head to Hemlock, Spruce, and even Fir. The distance to Fir is about 2.5-miles over Hemlock and Spruce, of course, you’d also need to come back!
| Big Indian Wilderness | |
|---|---|
| Contact Information: | DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office: phone (845) 256-3000 (M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM), email: r3admin@dec.ny.gov Law Enforcement, Emergency & Ranger: 518-408-5850 or dial 911 |
| Location: | Towns of Denning, Shadaken and Hardenburgh in Ulster County |
| Map: | Big Indian Wilderness Map |
| Amenities: | Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Arkville, Fleischmanns, Livingston Manor and Pine Hill. Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Margaretville and Livingston Manor. Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Arkville, Big Indian, Fleischmanns, Margaretville and Pine Hill. Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Arkville, Big Indian, Fleischmanns, Oliverea and Pine Hill. |
| Weather: | Big Indian Mountain Forecast |
| Cell Service: | Never count on your cell phone for rescue. There are many spots in the Big Indian Wilderness that service is poor. |
Map for Winnisook Mountain
Click map or here for an interactive version of the map
